Acute lymphoblastic leukaemia

Question 1

Q: What is Acute Lymphoblastic Leukaemia (ALL)?

Answer 1

A: A malignant disorder of lymphoid progenitor cells, leading to uncontrolled proliferation of immature lymphoblasts in the bone marrow.

Question 2

Which age group is most commonly affected by ALL?

Answer 2

A: Children (most common childhood cancer), but it can also occur in adults.

Question 3

Name three common presenting symptoms of ALL.

Answer 3

Fatigue (anemia)
recurrent infections (neutropenia)
bleeding/bruising (thrombocytopenia).

Question 4

What are key physical examination findings in ALL?

Answer 4

A: Hepatosplenomegaly, lymphadenopathy, and sometimes bone/joint pain.

Question 5

What FBC findings suggest ALL?

Answer 5

Anemia, thrombocytopenia, leukocytosis or leukopenia

Question 6

ALL blood film features

Answer 6

presence of lymphoblasts (immature lymphocytes) on blood film.

Question 7

What is the definitive diagnostic test for ALL?

Answer 7

Bone marrow aspirate showing >20% lymphoblasts; confirmed by flow cytometry.

Question 8

When is stem cell transplantation considered in ALL?

Answer 8

A: In relapsed disease or high-risk patients.

Question 9

Name two drugs commonly used in induction therapy for ALL.

Answer 9

Corticosteroids (prednisone/dexamethasone) and vincristine.

Question 10

Hb, WBC, PLT findings on ALL

Answer 10

Low Hb
High WBC
Low PLT